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Absage
/ˈapˌzaːɡə/
cancellation
Ich muss meine Zusage leider in eine Absage umwandeln.
I’m afraid I have to change my acceptance into a cancellation.
formal
A formal refusal or cancellation of a previously agreed-upon plan, offer, or invitation.
Nach reiflicher Überlegung musste sie die Einladung zur Hochzeit absagen.
After careful consideration, she had to decline the wedding invitation.
Die Absage des Projekts kam für viele überraschend.
The cancellation of the project came as a surprise to many.
Commonly used in business, social, and formal contexts.
formal
A rejection or denial of a request, application, or proposal.
Die Firma erhielt eine Absage von der Bank für den Kredit.
The company received a rejection from the bank for the loan.
Often used in professional or administrative settings.
Collocations
eine Absage erteilento issue a refusaleine Absage erhaltento receive a refusalAbsage auf etwasrejection of something
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse *Absage* with *Absagen* (the verb). *Absage* is the noun, while *absagen* is the verb meaning 'to cancel' or 'to decline'.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
Use *Absage* in formal contexts (e.g., business, official invitations). For informal situations, use *Absagen* or *nein sagen* (e.g., *Ich kann nicht kommen* instead of *Ich gebe eine Absage*).
Word Origin
From Middle High German *absage* (refusal, cancellation), derived from Old High German *absagōn* (to say no, to withdraw), composed of *ab-* (away, off) and *sagen* (to say). Related to the verb *absagen* (to cancel, to decline).
Usage Notes
Absage is a feminine noun and is typically used in formal or written contexts. It implies a definitive decision rather than a casual change of plans. In spoken German, *Absage* is often replaced by the verb *absagen* (e.g., *Ich muss absagen*).
Word Breakdown
ab-
away/off
prefix-sage
saying
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